Dubbed “the most interesting man in the world” by his basketball teammates at Monmouth College, Turner Plumer ’26 of Canton, Illinois, now has another nickname that could stick – “The Laureate.”
Plumer was recently named the college’s Student Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois. In conjunction with the honor, Plumer will be one of the speakers at next May’s Commencement ceremony. Well before that, he’ll attend an Oct. 18 ceremony for the Student Laureates, which for the first time will be held in Chicago, rather than Springfield.
Each fall, an outstanding senior from each of the four-year degree-granting institutions of higher learning in Illinois is awarded the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award. Student Laureates are honored for their overall excellence in curricular and cocurricular activities.
“Right around finals time last spring, I knew I was up for an award, but I didn’t know what it was,” said Plumer. “Right before school started back up this year, I got an email telling me that I’d won, but I really didn’t know yet how prestigious it was. But when President (Patricia) Draves congratulated me, then you kind of realize how prestigious it is.”
Excellence in academics, athletics
Despite studying in the college’s rigorous new engineering program and participating in intercollegiate athletics, Plumer carries a near-perfect 3.986 grade-point average. The exceptional student leader and scholar has consistently earned recognition on the Dean’s List and was named to the College Sports Communications All-District team for his excellence in both academics and athletics.
He spoke about the highlights he’s experienced in each area.
“For athletics, it’s just being with the guys on the team,” said Plumer, who said he chose Monmouth because it had the small-town feel of Canton. “They’re all great people, and everyone gets along really well. I just enjoy putting in the work, but having fun doing it.”
Relationships are also part of what makes his academic experience special.
“There’s hardly a day that goes by that I don’t talk to one of my professors, and it’s not always about classes – it could be about college, or life, or future endeavors,” he said. “I just enjoy making all the connections I have, both with my professors and the staff, and with the other students, too – my colleagues.”
Deeply engaged in campus life, Plumer has served as a physics and engineering tutor and as a resident assistant, where he’s promoted a safe and supportive residential environment. The All-Midwest Conference hoopster was also named captain of his Fighting Scots squad.
Plumer’s commitment to service goes beyond the classroom and hardwood. He has worked as a mechanical engineering intern at KEDbluestone and as an engineering intern with the Illinois Department of Transportation, gaining hands-on experience in infrastructure and HVAC design. He also volunteers regularly, including running over 30 miles each summer to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and participating in home construction with Habitat for Humanity.
Wrote his nominator, “Turner exemplifies the core values of integrity, service and leadership. His academic achievements, civic engagement and personal character make him deserving of the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award.”
Assignments for 2026
Plumer would seem to be a great catch for any company seeking talented, well-rounded employees, and that’s the direction he’s leaning at the moment, with an emphasis on staying relatively close to Canton.
“I’m still thinking about it,” he said of his post-Monmouth options. “I want to apply to Caterpillar, as well as other big companies in the Peoria area like Komatsu.”
Something else that Plumer is still thinking about is exactly what he will say to his 2026 classmates when he speaks at Commencement.
“It’s got to be something meaningful, but also lighthearted,” said Plumer, who, in the meantime, hopes to help the Fighting Scots defend their Midwest Conference title. “I’m still trying to figure out.”
We’re sure that Plumer will engineer something worthy of a Lincoln Laureate.
***Courtesy of Barry McNamara, Monmouth College***
